Alert archive / Arizona / Flash Flood Warnings in 2021

Flash Flood Warning 206, NWS Phoenix, AZ

August 18, 2021Gila County, Pinal County, Arizona

NWS Phoenix, AZ issued this flash flood warning at Aug 18, 2021, 9:26 AM MST for Gila County, Pinal County, Arizona. It was in force for 5 hr. 5 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Aug 18, 2021, 9:26 AM MST (16:26 UTC)
Expired
Aug 18, 2021, 2:47 PM MST
In force
5 hr
Issued by
NWS Phoenix, AZ
Area
Storm-based polygon
Damage threat
Considerable
Flood severity
None

Counties Gila County, AZ, Pinal County, AZ

The radar

The Phoenix radar (KIWA), 73 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 16:29 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Aug 18, 9:45 AM MSTFLASH FLOOD1 Se Globe, AZVIDEO SHOWS PINAL CREEK RUNNING HIGH RESULTING IN SWIFTLY MOVING WATER OVERTAKING BEER TREE CROSSING NEAR JESSE HAYES RD. BEER TREE CROSSING LOOKS IMPASSIBLE DUE TO FLOWING WATER.
Aug 18, 10:57 AM MSTFLASH FLOOD1 Ene Claypool, AZAZ-511 TRAFFIC CAMERA SHOWS US-60 IMPASSIBLE NEAR RAGUS RD. DUE TO WATER FROM RUSSELL GULCH.
Aug 18, 10:57 AM MSTFLASH FLOOD1 Ene Claypool, AZAZ-511 TRAFFIC CAMERA SHOWS US-60 IMPASSIBLE NEAR RAGUS RD. DUE TO WATER FROM THE BLOODY TANKS WASH.
Aug 18, 11:00 AM MSTFLASH FLOOD1 Ene Claypool, AZMULTIPLE HOMES HAVE BEEN DAMAGED IN RUSSELL GULCH AND THE AREA IS CUT OFF TO ACCESS. THE BRIDGE AT THE MEDICAL CENTER IS IMPASSABLE, AND US-60 HAS OVERTOPPED WITH FLOOD WATERS.
Aug 18, 11:00 AM MSTFLASH FLOOD3 Sse Globe, AZVIDEO FROM SOCIAL MEDIA POST SHOWED SIX SHOOTER CANYON RUNNING HIGH WITH SWIFTLY MOVING WATER ACROSS SIX SHOOTER RD. NEAR DELORES LN. SIX SHOOTER CANYON RD. IMPASSIBLE CLOSE TO MOUNTAINGATE ESTATES NEXT TO DELORES LN.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Phoenix, AZ (KPSR), launched 12:00Z, 4.4 hours before the alert went out and 101 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Phoenix, AZ at 12:00Z on 2021-08-18Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1239 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Phoenix, AZ at 12:00Z on 2021-08-18The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 52 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
1239 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-34 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1144 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
13 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
52 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
40 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

731 
WGUS55 KPSR 181626
FFWPSR
AZC007-021-182030-
/O.NEW.KPSR.FF.W.0206.210818T1626Z-210818T2030Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
926 AM MST Wed Aug 18 2021

The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  The Telegraph burn scar in...
  Gila County in east central Arizona...
  Pinal County in southeastern Arizona...

* Until 130 PM MST.

* At 926 AM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated 
  thunderstorms producing heavy rain over the Telegraph Burn Scar. 
  Between 0.5 and 0.75 inches of rain have fallen. Additional 
  rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned area. 
  Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will result in rapid rises in 
Bloody Tanks Wash and Russell Gulch.  Both creeks are already 
flowing with elevated flows with more rainfall on the way.

  HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms
           producing flash flooding in and around the Telegraph
           Burn Scar.

  SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

  IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around
           the Telegraph Burn Scar.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Globe, Miami, Claypool, Central Heights-Midland City, 
  Top-Of-The-World and Inspiration.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 3341 11094 3343 11087 3346 11082 3342 11078
      3339 11073 3336 11069 3330 11074 3323 11079
      3325 11083 3325 11087 3325 11094 3325 11099
      3321 11102 3324 11105 3330 11104 3339 11101

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$

MS
3 follow-up statements
271 
WGUS75 KPSR 181737
FFSPSR

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
1037 AM MST Wed Aug 18 2021

AZC007-021-182030-
/O.CON.KPSR.FF.W.0206.000000T0000Z-210818T2030Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Gila AZ-Pinal AZ-
1037 AM MST Wed Aug 18 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR THE TELEGRAPH BURN SCAR REMAINS IN EFFECT 
UNTIL 130 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON FOR GILA AND PINAL COUNTIES...

At 1037 AM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated 
thunderstorms producing heavy rain over the Telegraph Burn Scar. 
Between 1.5 and 2.25 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall 
amounts up to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash 
flooding is already occurring as evidenced by rapid rises in area 
washes including Ice House Canyon.

Excessive rainfall over the burn scar has resulted in rapid rises in 
Ice House Canyon and Kellner Canyon.

HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
         flash flooding in and around the Telegraph Burn Scar.

SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around
         the Telegraph Burn Scar.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Globe, Miami, Claypool, Central Heights-Midland City, 
  Top-Of-The-World and Inspiration.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 3341 11094 3343 11087 3346 11082 3342 11078
      3339 11073 3336 11069 3330 11074 3323 11079
      3325 11083 3325 11087 3325 11094 3325 11099
      3321 11102 3324 11105 3330 11104 3339 11101

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$

MS
423 
WGUS55 KPSR 182021
FFWPSR
AZC007-021-182200-
/O.EXT.KPSR.FF.W.0206.000000T0000Z-210818T2200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
121 PM MST Wed Aug 18 2021

The National Weather Service in Phoenix has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  The Telegraph burn scar in...
  Gila County in east central Arizona...
  Pinal County in southeastern Arizona...

* Until 300 PM MST.

* At 121 PM MST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated 
  thunderstorms producing heavy rain over the Telegraph Burn Scar. 
  During the late morning hours between 1.5 and 2.25 inches of rain 
  had fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inches are 
  possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring.

Flash flood impacts have been reported in Russell Gulch and 
Sixshooter Canyon.  Any additional rainfall will cause these creeks 
and washes to rise again.

  HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms
           producing flash flooding in and around the Telegraph
           Burn Scar.

  SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

  IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around
           the Telegraph Burn Scar.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Globe, Miami, Claypool, Central Heights-Midland City, 
  Top-Of-The-World and Inspiration.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

&&

LAT...LON 3341 11094 3343 11087 3346 11082 3342 11078
      3339 11073 3336 11069 3330 11074 3323 11079
      3325 11083 3325 11087 3325 11094 3325 11099
      3321 11102 3324 11105 3330 11104 3339 11101

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$

MS
609 
WGUS75 KPSR 182147 RRA
FFSPSR

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
247 PM MST Wed Aug 18 2021

AZC007-021-182157-
/O.CAN.KPSR.FF.W.0206.000000T0000Z-210818T2200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Gila AZ-Pinal AZ-
247 PM MST Wed Aug 18 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR THE TELEGRAPH BURN SCAR IS CANCELLED FOR 
GILA AND PINAL COUNTIES...

Flood waters have receded. The heavy rain has ended. Flooding is no 
longer expected to pose a threat though any additional rainfall 
could cause creeks and washes to rise. Please continue to heed 
remaining road closures.

A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect until 800 PM MST for a portion 
of south central Arizona.

LAT...LON 3341 11094 3343 11087 3346 11082 3342 11078
      3339 11073 3336 11069 3330 11074 3323 11079
      3325 11083 3325 11087 3325 11094 3325 11099
      3321 11102 3324 11105 3330 11104 3339 11101

$$

MS

The office that day

Everything else NWS Phoenix, AZ issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 17, 5:16 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila6 hr
Aug 17, 6:05 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila6 hr
Aug 17, 9:08 PM MSTFlash Flood WatchPSRGila, Maricopa, Pinal23 hr
Aug 18, 7:55 AM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila4 hr
Aug 18, 8:48 AM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila, Maricopa, Pinal6 hr
Aug 18, 9:39 AM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila4 hr
Aug 18, 10:16 AM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila4 hr
Aug 18, 11:16 AM MSTFlash Flood Warning EmergencyCatastrophic damage threatPSRGila3 hr
Aug 18, 11:37 AM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila5 hr
Aug 18, 11:46 AM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRMaricopa29 min
Aug 18, 11:59 AM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRMaricopa5 hr
Aug 18, 12:16 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRMaricopa29 min
Aug 18, 12:26 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRMaricopa49 min
Aug 18, 12:28 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila, Maricopa5 hr
Aug 18, 12:28 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRMaricopa4 hr
Aug 18, 12:29 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR46 min
Aug 18, 12:38 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR52 min
Aug 18, 12:45 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR45 min
Aug 18, 12:52 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRMaricopa53 min
Aug 18, 1:00 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRMaricopa45 min
Aug 18, 1:06 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRMaricopa5 hr
Aug 18, 1:11 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRMaricopa35 min
Aug 18, 1:19 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRGila41 min
Aug 18, 1:23 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRMaricopa4 hr
Aug 18, 1:39 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRMaricopa51 min
Aug 18, 1:40 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRMaricopa6 hr
Aug 18, 1:46 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRMaricopa4 hr
Aug 18, 1:47 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR43 min
Aug 18, 2:09 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR51 min
Aug 18, 2:13 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRMaricopa47 min
Aug 18, 2:15 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRMaricopa6 hr
Aug 18, 2:29 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRGila, Maricopa46 min
Aug 18, 2:32 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR43 min
Aug 18, 2:34 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRGila41 min
Aug 18, 2:45 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila, Maricopa6 hr
Aug 18, 3:02 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR43 min
Aug 18, 3:03 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRPinal42 min
Aug 18, 3:11 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila, Maricopa5 hr
Aug 18, 3:19 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSR41 min
Aug 18, 3:33 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila, Maricopa4 hr
Aug 18, 3:41 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRGila64 min
Aug 18, 3:46 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatPSRGila5 hr
Aug 18, 4:13 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRMaricopa47 min
Aug 18, 4:39 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementPSRMaricopa51 min
Aug 18, 4:58 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningPSRMaricopa32 min

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Arizona, 2021Every flash flood warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.